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4. d ANIMAL POPULATION AND CONTROL <br />Animal Population and Control (e.g., assure that animals adopted from the Shelter are <br />appropriately spayed or neutered, although the respondents should note that if the County <br />chooses to contract directly with a veterinarian, spay/neuter would be handled through that <br />contractor.) <br />It is the policy of the HSOC that every adopted animal eight weeks of age or older will be <br />spay/neutered before leaving the shelter. <br />If this is not possible due to scheduling restrictions, health issues, or other reasons, <br />the following protocol will be followed: <br />1. An appointment will be made at time of adoption for the animal to return for surgery. <br />2. A follow-up reminder (phone or mail) will be sent to the adopter. <br />3. Failure to show for the scheduled appointment will result in the adopter being re-contacted <br />and a new appointment will be set. <br />4. The adopter will be told from the outset, and will be reminded in subsequent contacts, that <br />the animal belongs to the Orange County Animal Shelter, as stipulated in the signed <br />contract, until all provisions (including spay/neuter) have been met. <br />5. Should the adopter refuse to follow through with the provisions of the contract, HSOC will <br />initiate action to return the animal to the shelter. <br />Education is key in addressing the overpopulation problem. Owners that reclaim animals are <br />prime candidates for education in this area. Every opportunity provided the HSOC to meet with <br />citizens, civic organizations, and the media will be used to stress the importance of responsible <br />pet ownership and the overpopulation problem and solutions. <br />25 <br />